The 10 hottest tickets in Cambridge this Autumn
What are the best post-holiday resets in Cambridge right now? Are you worried about how to shake off the holiday blues after a wonderful holiday and a lovely summer? Don’t worry! I can sort that, as there is enough to please your palate in Cambridge this Autumn.
Here is your bucket list for the next few months of new indie openings.
(also the featured image)
Number 1 – The Rupert Brooke in Grantchester
This gem of a pub in Grantchester reopened after a fantastic facelift on August 29th and is now under new management. The pub couldn’t be in better hands than Pascky Benedetto and his team. If you wonder who Pascky is, he’s the previous landlord of the award-winning pub The Plough in Coton, also locally known as Little Pascky. Having been open only for a week, the pub has attracted a lot of attention and bookings, so make sure you get your reservation in to avoid disappointment. It is one of the only Cambridge restaurants open on Mondays, too!
Number 2 – The Plough in Coton
This popular award-winning pub in Coton has also changed hands. Pasky Benedetto has moved from the Crown in Girton to the Plough in Coton. He is also known as Big Pasky, the older cousin, as he was named first after their grandfather, Pasquale. Many locals were sad to see him and the team leave Girton, but now that they are only around the corner, it is an excellent excuse to visit them in Coton. With a new menu and cocktail menu and a happy hour from 3 pm to 6.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday, it’s an even better reason to check them out.
Number 3 – Ounje Adun on Hills Road
Embark on a culinary journey with Africa Food at their restaurant, Ounje Adun, on Hills Road. Explore the tastes of Africa, crafted with passion and tradition. Join us in celebrating the vibrant flavours of our continent. Sunkanmi Ariyibi, originally from Nigeria, is the face behind Africa Food. Sunkami has been selling West African food at Cambridge Market since 2016, where it is one of the popular food stalls. The cafe, decorated in vibrant colours, has both inside and outside seating. Take a journey off the well-known path and dine at this delightful cafe on Hills Road.
Number 4 – Noshe on Mill Road
Come and experience the stunning culture of Afghanistan, delicious food, unbeaten hospitality and traditional dining at Noshe at Cambridge’s first Afghan Majlis (sitting room), which opened on the 3rd of September. Relax at this Afghan cafe and restaurant, leaning back in comfy soft cushions and enjoying Noshe’s delicious traditional Afghan food in a traditional setting. Most of their dishes can be turned into vegan or vegetarian dishes. What can you look forward to? To mention a few:
- Siji chicken with shallow rice platter, marinated to juicy perfection.
- Bolani is a delicious, crispy homemade pastry stuffed with leek or potato and a yoghurt sauce.
- Mantus, are steamed Afghan mince dumplings
- And an excellent cup of Kenza coffee
Number 5 – The Burleigh Arms on Newmarket Road
Looking for a nice bite to eat in Cambridge city centre, but prefer a bit more than pub grub? Not quite sure where to go in Cambridge? Look no further. The answer is right here. A few months ago, in May, the Burleigh Arms on Newmarket Road changed hands. The new owner, Tom Arnold, is a well-known Cambridge entrepreneur and Kareem Roberts, his head chef, was the creative mind behind Restaurant Trinity for many years, which closed in December 2023. So, for the fans of Kareem’s excellent food, he’s back with a bang! And he is indeed. Cambridge Foodies have been raving about the Burleigh Arms, and on the first night of the launch of his autumn menu this week, the pub was fully booked! Make sure you make a booking to avoid disappointment.
Number 6 – Kanto Cafe on Cherry Hinton Road
This delightful Filipino Cafe and Bakery is one of Cambridge’s latest hidden gems. Tucked away on Cherry Hinton Road, close to the Leisure Centre, it is one of the upcoming trendy cafes in Cambridge. They have a superb selection of Filipino and Korean cakes, served with refreshing drinks and coffee. The Filipino and Filipino owners share their cultures through their daily baked goods and delicious products. Make sure you go early, as they sell out very quickly.
Number 7 – King Street Cellar on King Street
King Street Cellar is the brainchild of Cambridge-born and bred Ben Thurbon, who seeks to bring wine enthusiasts together in an inclusive space where wines can be shared, enjoyed and explored. His hand-picked and carefully selected stock reflects the diversity of customers he serves. King Street Cellar is committed to being environmentally responsible and partners proudly with sustainably minded wine suppliers. In store and online, you will find a diverse, quality-focussed selection of fine wines, craft beer and specialist spirits from suppliers who share our eco-friendly philosophy. One of his pilot events is the popular cheese and wine tasting evenings with the Cambridge Cheese Company. Booking is essential as tickets sell out fast.
Number 8 – Ellimatta on Victoria Avenue
A lot is happening in Cambridge; we now have an Australian cafe, too! The word ‘Sanga’ is the Aussie slang for sandwich. Nobody knows when or how the letter’ g’ became involved, although it is assumed that it was adopted from the common mispronunciation of sandwich as ‘Sangwich’.
So what is so special about these Sangas? Described as a feat of engineering, they are less soggy. This salad sandwich consists of layers of delicious fillings like a rainbow. Variations of these fancy salad sandwiches popped up all over Australia, using spicy rocket instead of lettuce, pickled beetroot instead of carrots and a spiced spread of herby egg salad instead of beef.
Amanda and Shawn have now brought these delicious sandwiches to Cambridge. Last August, they opened Cafe Ellimatta on Victoria Avenue in Chesterton, a stone’s throw from Midsummer Common. We tried the Manly and Campsie. Both were delicious, filled to the brim with a nice kick and crunch! The homemade biscuits are rather delicious, too!
There is more than sangas! Amanda started stocking excellent Australian cookery books, and Shane is selling a fine collection of vinyls. Besides the Sangas, Amanda creates delicious salads, only using organic vegetables from Great Abbington. Ellimatta is the perfect stop for excellent coffee, sandwiches, salads and music!
Number 9 – Amphora wine tasting at Sage
Wednesday wine tastings are back from next week! Starting at the earlier time of 7 pm at the Sage of Cambridge
Although Amphora’s brick-and-mortar shop is temporarily closed while she looks for a new venue, the events are still going strong. Life is too short to drink bad wine. Cong offers joy-bringing good wine from undervalued regions, such as Portugal, Georgia, Armenia, Greece, and Moldova, as well as France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Australia, the USA, and others.
After a successful 4 week wine and cheese tasting events at Culinaris on Mill Road, Cong is offering her successful weekly wine tastings at the Sage at the Fellows House on Milton Road. Booking early is recommended, as her wine tasting events are very popular.
Number 10 – Parker’s Tavern
The University Arms has appointed Lee Clarke as its new Executive Chef, heralding a new culinary chapter for Parker’s Tavern. So, who is Lee Clarke, leading Parker’s Tavern into a new era?
Originally from Peterborough, Lee’s culinary journey began with two years of training under the renowned Marco Pierre White at Mirabelle restaurant. He then honed his skills further under the guidance of the late Albert Roux at Roux Fine Dining restaurant. Lee returned home in 2011 to open Clarkes in Peterborough. Here, he built a reputation for relaxed classic cuisine, which saw the restaurant enter several of the UK’s top 100 lists and the Michelin Guide within two years of opening.
In 2015, he opened Prévos, which was recognised by the Michelin Guide within months of its opening. Suddenly, the Peterborough region became a place for excellent fine dining, drawing guests from across the UK. The restaurant was awarded 3 AA rosettes and the Square Meal Top 100 List 2024.
What’s new about the food at Parker’s Tavern?
It is still the quintessential all-day British brasserie, celebrating seasonal feasting at its finest and using the best British and local produce. What is the refreshing element? The a la carte menu not only brings you seasonal variety but also what’s fresh each day from Cambridgeshire fields and Fens conjured into whimsical dishes delivered with refined techniques. Lee Clarke recently launched his Autumn Menu, so it’s an excellent excuse to try his new creations.
Happy eating!
Gerla
